Springboks Rassie Erasmus Explains The New Role For Siya Kolisi
Siya Kolisi travelled to Argentina with the Springboks, but not to play. Here is the key ‘support’ role he will fulfil instead.
Although several leading Springbok players were rested for the trip to Argentina, it was quite interesting to see Siya Kolisi included in the travelling squad, and then not earn selection in the team for this Saturday’s Test.
Ultimately, Rassie Erasmus has outlined an interesting plan for him to ‘serve’ the Springboks in a different capacity, which will include sitting with the coaches on Saturday.
It’s something that the Springboks also did during the 2023 World Cup with Duane Vermeulen, who has now moved into a coaching role with SA Rugby since retiring.
“Siya wasn’t brought here to play, but to be on standby if anybody gets injured,” Erasmus explained at Tuesday’s team announcement. “He’s also here to help lead the team off the field, while preparing for this important game. It was always the plan that he wasn’t going to play.
“The one thing we also want to do is get Siya in the coaches box. We usually have Duane on the sideline who relays messages to Siya and the decision-makers on the field, but Siya doesn’t know what happens in the coaches box.
“So we really want him to see how we reach a decision and send messages down, so he can understand the whole process. We did the same thing with Duane and he said after that he had a new understanding, which we hope to get from Siya as well this weekend.”
SIYA KOLISI STILL NEEDS CORRECTIVE SURGERY
Although Kolisi also requires a medical procedure for a facial injury, this will be postponed until after the Rugby Championship.
“Siya can still play next week at Mbombela and then get his nose reset,” Erasmus added. “It can be done no longer than between four and six weeks, so he’s in that time frame. He will get it sorted after the Test at Mbombela.”
Springbok side to face Argentina – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Jaden Hendrikse, 23 Manie Libbok.
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